Thursday 20 July 1961 | St John's Hall, Snaefell Avenue, Tuebrook, Liverpool
On 20 July 1961, The Beatles performed at St John's Hall on Snaefell Avenue in the Tuebrook district of Liverpool. It was their fourth appearance at the venue.
The nights at St John's Hall were organised by Mona Best — mother of Beatles drummer Pete Best and owner of the Casbah Coffee Club in West Derby, the basement venue that had been one of The Beatles' earliest and most important residencies. Mona's involvement in promoting shows at St John's Hall gave the group another reliable outlet in the Liverpool circuit during this period of intense local gigging.
St John's Hall on Snaefell Avenue should not be confused with a hall of the same name in Bootle, where The Beatles also performed on separate occasions.
St John's Hall, Tuebrook: The Beatles' Full Run
The Beatles played St John's Hall on 11 occasions in 1961. In addition to this 20 July date, they appeared on 17 February; 10 March; 13 and 27 July; 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 August; and 8 September 1961.
| Date | Thursday 20 July 1961 |
| Venue | St John's Hall, Snaefell Avenue, Tuebrook, Liverpool |
| Promoter | Mona Best |
| Appearance number at venue | 4th of 11 |
| Total appearances at St John's Hall, Tuebrook | 11 (all in 1961) |
Snaefell Avenue, Tuebrook, Liverpool — the location of St John's Hall, where The Beatles performed 11 times in 1961.
Mona Best and the Liverpool Beat Scene
By July 1961, The Beatles were one of the most active live acts on Merseyside, playing multiple venues across Liverpool and beyond almost every week. Mona Best was a key figure in their early career — she had opened the Casbah Coffee Club in the cellar of her home at 8 Hayman's Green, West Derby, in August 1959, and The Beatles (then known as the Quarrymen) had been among the first groups to play there.
Her son Pete Best had joined The Beatles as their drummer in August 1960, just before the group's first trip to Hamburg. By the summer of 1961, Pete was a full member of the group, and Mona continued to support their career by booking and promoting shows at venues like St John's Hall.
Celebrate the early Beatles era
Officially licensed Beatles merchandise from the Cavern years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was St John's Hall in Liverpool?
The St John's Hall where The Beatles performed was located on Snaefell Avenue in the Tuebrook district of Liverpool. It should not be confused with a hall of the same name in Bootle, where The Beatles also played on separate occasions.
Who promoted The Beatles' shows at St John's Hall, Tuebrook?
The nights at St John's Hall on Snaefell Avenue were promoted by Mona Best, mother of Beatles drummer Pete Best and owner of the Casbah Coffee Club in West Derby.
How many times did The Beatles play St John's Hall in Tuebrook?
The Beatles played St John's Hall on Snaefell Avenue in Tuebrook on 11 occasions, all in 1961: 17 February; 10 March; 13, 20 and 27 July; 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 August; and 8 September.
What was the Casbah Coffee Club?
The Casbah Coffee Club was a basement venue at 8 Hayman's Green, West Derby, Liverpool, opened by Mona Best in August 1959. It was one of The Beatles' earliest and most important residencies, and the place where Pete Best first came to the group's attention.
When did Pete Best join The Beatles?
Pete Best joined The Beatles as their drummer in August 1960, just before the group's first trip to Hamburg. He remained with the group until August 1962, when he was replaced by Ringo Starr.
→ 20 July in Beatles History
→ July in Beatles History
→ John Lennon: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ George Harrison: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Ringo Starr: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
Shop: Beatles T-shirts | Beatles merch by era | Wall art & posters | Mugs & drinkware
0 comments